Best riverside areas to live in London

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As far as sprawling metropolises with non-stop entertainment go, London is right up there with the best of them. The capital of England provides inner city living at its finest. One of the best things about living in London is having access to some of the finest shops, theatres, restaurants, bars and nightclubs in the world, yet still have the ability to enjoy peaceful living away from the West End buzz.

There are plenty of parks that you can live close to, and London is well known for a selection of peaceful areas, providing tranquillity and calm. It’s the same with riverside settings, and the sheer size of the River Thames affords Londoners the chance to enjoy a room with a view of the waters.

Read on, and discover our selection of the best riverside areas in London.

Canary Wharf

At first glance, Canary Wharf might seem like an odd choice for a riverside area. After all, the first thoughts likely to spring to mind when thinking of E14 will be skyscrapers, financial services and one of the most modern representations of London there is. But peel back the layers, and you will find a clamour of homes with waterfront views that make an ideal setting for a peaceful evening to unwind after a long day’s work in the banking sector.

Fulham

Photo credit: www.barratthomes.co.uk

Fulham offers some of the best riverside living in the capital, with apartments featuring prime views of the River Thames. Some homes offer first-hand views of the annual boat race between Oxford and Cambridge, while others enjoy a location in plush new developments with state-of-the-art amenities and floor-to-ceiling windows with direct river views.

Surrey Quays

Photo credit: www.kfh.co.uk

London is currently seeing lots of redevelopment and Surrey Quays, in South-East London, is one of the more recent benefactors. There is a selection of new developments, shops and restaurants that combine nicely with traditional pubs, Victorian streets and lush riverside views. Throw in cheaper rental prices than many other riverside areas in London, and you’ve got a serious contender for de facto riverside living.

For more about areas in South London, including Surrey Quays, read our guide here. See the latest Surrey Quays rental properties.

Hammersmith

Over to West London now, where the river curves northwards into Hammersmith - one of the most popular W postcodes. Hammersmith is more akin to Canary Wharf in terms of buzz, with plenty of people flocking to the area for the shops, restaurants, theatres and fantastic river views. Those who stay can enjoy riverside living in W6 thanks to a host of properties located along the River Thames.

Woolwich

Photo credit: www.gardenvisit.com

Woolwich is another South London area that has seen its share of regeneration over the years and is well on its way to becoming an in-demand place to live with young professionals. Several new residential developments make the most of its riverside location, while a stop on the Elizabeth Line in 2018 will offer even more accessibility. Get in now while the rental prices are still competitive.

Kew

Photo credit: www.iotagarden.com

The laid-back area of Kew might just be a contender for ultimate tranquillity in London. There are fabulous green spaces in the form of Kew Gardens, 18th-century architecture to admire, gastropubs galore, and a scenic riverside settings which acts as the perfect backdrop to new developments and older, more traditional properties.

Check out our area guide for Richmond and Kew for a more detailed look at the TW postcodes. See the latest Kew rental properties.

Kingston upon Thames

Photo credit: www.kingston.gov.uk

Kingston upon Thames enjoys a position on the outskirts of London, but as it’s located along the River Thames and has plenty of riverside restaurants, bars and shops, we felt compelled to add it to the list. The area is popular with families and, thanks to two nearby universities, students can enjoy easy river access from their digs.

Wapping

Back to East London now, where Wapping can’t help but charm us with its cobbled streets, riverside amenities, and converted warehouses which are now shiny new apartments with fantastic views of the river. The London Dock development also opened in Wapping last year and provides spectacular views towards the river.

Putney

Families flock to Putney for the good schools, local restaurants, relaxed pubs, open spaces and riverside setting. The South-West London area is a dream for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle, yet still remain within close access to the action. There is a selection of Victorian period properties near the river, plus brand new developments.

Battersea

Staying in South-West London, this time with Battersea, where river living is in demand thanks to several developments built along the Thames. With the regeneration at Nine Elms, Battersea’s neighbour, and nearby Vauxhall and Wandsworth, those looking to move in and around Battersea are spoilt for choice when it comes to riverside living in the capital. There are also plans to regenerate New Covent Garden Market, while the power station is to be converted into luxury apartments to go with a host of popular restaurants and pubs in the area.

London riverside living at its finest

So, there you have it: our favourite riverside areas in London. What do you think? Do you agree? Any tranquil river delights that you think we should have included? Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think.